Anode for cable-type secondary battery and cable-type secondary battery including the anode

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an anode for a lithium secondary battery. The anode includes a current collector in the form of a wire and a porous anode active material layer coated to surround the surface of the current collector. The three-dimensional porous structure of the active material layer increases the surface area of the anode. Accordingly, the mobility of lithium ions through the anode is improved, achieving superior battery performance. In addition, the porous structure allows the anode to relieve internal stress and pressure, such as swelling, occurring during charge and discharge of a battery, ensuring high stability of the battery while preventing deformation of the battery. These advantages make the anode suitable for use in a cable-type secondary battery. Further disclosed is a lithium secondary battery including the anode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional application of U.S. Ser. No.13/540,024, filed Jul. 2, 2012, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/KR2011/003679 filed on May 18, 2011, which claimspriority under 35 USC 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No.10-2010-0061175 filed in the Republic of Korea on Jun. 28, 2010, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an anode suitable for use in acable-type secondary battery and a cable-type secondary batteryincluding the anode.

BACKGROUND ART

Secondary batteries refer to devices which convert external electricalenergy into chemical energy, store the electrical energy and generateelectricity from the chemical energy when necessary. Secondary batteriesare also called “rechargeable batteries,” which means that they arecapable of repeated charge and discharge. Lead-acid batteries, nickelcadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, lithiumion batteries and lithium ion polymer batteries are frequently used assecondary batteries. Secondary batteries offer economic andenvironmental advantages over primary batteries that are disposed ofafter energy stored therein has been exhausted.

Secondary batteries are currently used in applications where low poweris needed, for example, devices for assisting in the start-up of carengines, portable devices, instruments and uninterrupted power supplysystems. Recent developments in wireless communication technologies haveled to the popularization of portable devices and have brought about atendency to connect many kinds of existing devices to wireless networks.As a result, demand for secondary batteries is dramatically increasing.Secondary batteries are also used in environmentally friendlynext-generation vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehiclesto reduce the costs and weight and to increase the service life of thevehicles.

Generally, most secondary batteries have a cylindrical, prismatic orpouch type shape depending on the fabrication process thereof. That is,a secondary battery is typically fabricated by inserting an electrodeassembly composed of an anode, a cathode and a separator into acylindrical or prismatic metal can or a pouch-type case made of analuminum laminate sheet, and injecting an electrolyte into the electrodeassembly. Accordingly, the cylindrical, prismatic or pouch-typesecondary battery requires a certain space for assembly, which is anobstacle to the development of various types of portable devices. Thus,there is a need for a novel type of secondary battery that is easilyadaptable in shape. In response to this need, highly flexible linearbatteries, for example, cable-type secondary batteries with a high ratioof length to cross-sectional diameter have been proposed.

However, such a cable-type secondary battery requiring high flexibilityis prone to deformation because it is exposed to frequent externalphysical impact in view of its structural characteristics. For example,the cable-type secondary battery may be bent by frequent externalphysical impact. This deformation increases the risk of disconnectionduring use. Another problem is that an anode active material, such as Sior Sn, is separated when electrodes of the cable-type secondary batteryare expanded and contracted during repeated charge and discharge. Inthis case, the cable-type secondary battery suffers from a more seriousdeterioration in performance by frequent physical impact than generalsecondary batteries do.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the priorart, and therefore it is an object of the present disclosure to providea porous anode for a lithium secondary battery that exhibits highelectrochemical reactivity and is capable of relieving internal stressand pressure of the battery.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided ananode for a cable-type secondary battery which includes a core as acurrent collector and a porous shell as an anode active material coatedto surround the outer surface of the core, the current collector havinga horizontal cross section in a predetermined shape and extending in thelengthwise direction.

The anode active material may include at least one element or compoundselected from the group consisting of Si, Sn, Li, Zn, Mg, Cd, Ce, Ni, Feand oxides thereof.

The current collector may be stainless steel, aluminum, titanium,silver, palladium, nickel, copper, or stainless steel surface treatedwith titanium, silver, palladium, nickel or copper. Alternatively, thecurrent collector in the form of a wire may include a polymer core and ametal coating layer formed on the surface of the polymer core.

Examples of materials for the polymer core include polyacetylene,polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, poly(sulfur nitride),polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylate and polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE). The metal coating layer may be formed of at least one metalselected from silver, palladium, nickel and copper.

The porous shell may have a pore size of 10 to 150 μm, a porosity of 60to 95%, and a surface area of 8×10⁴ to 5×10⁵ cm²/g.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda method for producing an anode for a cable-type secondary battery, themethod including: (S1) preparing an aqueous solution of an anode activematerial; and (S2) dipping a core as a current collector having ahorizontal cross section in a predetermined shape and extending in thelengthwise direction in the aqueous solution of the anode activematerial, and applying an electric current to the core to form a porousshell on the outer surface of the core.

The porous anode of the present disclosure is suitable for use in alithium secondary battery, particularly a cable-type secondary battery.

Advantageous Effects

The anode of the present disclosure has a cushioning function due to itsporous structure. Accordingly, the anode of the present disclosure ishighly resistant to external physical impact. For example, the anode ofthe present disclosure can withstand impact caused by the bending of asecondary battery to prevent the secondary battery from disconnection.In addition, the anode of the present disclosure can relieve internalstress and pressure, such as swelling, occurring during charge anddischarge of a battery using an anode active material, such as Si or Sn,to achieve high stability of the battery while preventing deformation ofthe battery.

The anode of the present disclosure has a high surface area due to thepresence of a porous shell composed of an anode active material.Accordingly, the anode of the present disclosure has an increasedcontact area with an electrolyte, particularly a solid electrolyte,contributing to an improvement in the mobility of lithium ions. Thisimproved mobility ensures high ionic conductivity of the electrolyte,leading to superior battery performance.

These advantages make the anode of the present disclosure suitable foruse in a cable-type secondary battery.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of thepresent disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve toprovide further understanding of the technical spirit of the presentdisclosure. However, the present disclosure is not to be construed asbeing limited to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a porous anode including aconductive core.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a porous anode including a polymercore and a metal coating layer formed on the surface of the polymercore.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cable-type secondary batteryincluding a porous anode according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cable-type secondary batteryincluding porous anodes according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cable-type secondary batteryincluding porous anodes according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cable-type secondary batteryincluding porous anodes according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cable-type secondary batteryincluding porous anodes according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows SEM images of a porous anode produced in Example 1.

FIG. 9 graphically shows the performance of a half cell including ananode produced in Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 10 graphically shows the performance of a half cell including ananode produced in Example 1.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 10: Porous anode 11: Currentcollector 12: Anode active material layer 20: Porous anode 21: Polymercore 22: Metal coating layer 23: Anode active material layer 30:Cable-type secondary battery 31: Inner current collector 32: Anodeactive material layer 33: Electrolyte layer 33a: First electrolyte layer33b: Second electrolyte layer 34: Cathode active material layer 35:Outer current collector 36: Protective cover

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Priorto the description, it should be understood that the terms used in thespecification and the appended claims should not be construed as beinglimited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on themeanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the presentdisclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed todefine terms appropriately for the best explanation.

MODE FOR DISCLOSURE

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate porous anodes 10 and 20 accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the descriptionproposed herein is just a preferable example for the purpose ofillustrations only, not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure,so it should be understood that other equivalents and modificationscould be made at the time of filing the present application.

Each of the anodes includes a core 11 as a current collector and aporous shell 12 as an anode active material coated to surround the outersurface of the core 11. The current collector has a horizontal crosssection of a predetermined shape and extends in the lengthwisedirection. The term “predetermined shape” means that the shape is notparticularly limited and any shape is possible so long as the essentialfeatures of the present disclosure are not impaired. The currentcollector 11 may have a circular or polygonal structure in horizontalcross section. The circular structure is intended to include ageometrically perfect symmetrical circle and a geometricallyasymmetrical ellipse. The polygonal structure of the current collectoris not specifically limited, and non-limiting examples thereof includetriangular, quadrangular, pentagonal and hexagonal shapes.

The anode active material 12 is coated on the surface of the currentcollector 11 by a suitable coating process, such as electroplating oranodic oxidation. The anode active material layer has a porousstructure. Examples of such anode active materials include Si, Sn, Li,Zn, Mg, Cd, Ce, Ni, Fe, and oxides thereof. These anode active materialsmay be used alone or as a mixture of two or more thereof.

In the case where electroplating is used to form the active materiallayer on the surface of the current collector, hydrogen gas isgenerated. In this case, the amount of the hydrogen generated and thesize of the hydrogen bubbles can be controlled such that the activematerial layer has a three-dimensional porous structure having a desiredpore size.

Anodic oxidation is suitable for the formation of the active materiallayer using a metal oxide on the surface of the current collector.Oxygen gas is generated under the anodic oxidation conditions. Theamount of the oxygen generated and the size of the oxygen bubbles can becontrolled such that the active material layer has a one-dimensionalporous channel structure.

The porous shell may have a pore size of 10 to 150 μm, a porosity of 60to 95%, and a surface area of 8×10⁴ to 5×10⁵ cm²/g.

The anode 10 of the present disclosure may be produced by the followingmethod.

First, an aqueous solution of an anode active material is prepared (S1).

Specifically, the aqueous solution is prepared by dissolving an anodeactive material in an acidic aqueous solution. The anode active materialis mainly provided as a precursor in the form of an acidic salt thereof.The anode active material may be selected from Si, Sn, Li, Zn, Mg, Cd,Ce, Ni and Fe. Si or Sn is particularly preferred.

Subsequently, a core as a current collector having a horizontal crosssection in a predetermined shape and extending in the lengthwisedirection is dipped in the aqueous solution of the anode activematerial, and then an electric current is applied to the core to form aporous shell on the outer surface of the core (S2).

Specifically, the core as a cathode and an anode as a counter electrodeare dipped in a beaker containing the aqueous solution of the anodeactive material in an electroplating system, and then an electriccurrent is applied thereto for a predetermined time period. Duringelectroplating, the anode active material is precipitated on the core toform an anode active material layer. At this time, hydrogen gas isproduced from the core to allow the anode active material layer to havea porous structure.

A secondary battery undergoes repeated expansion and contraction duringcharge/discharge. As a result, the secondary battery swells. Thisswelling is particularly severe when Sn or Si is used as an anode activematerial. Such a change in volume causes separation or degradation ofthe active material and induces side reactions of the active material,leading to deterioration of battery performance. Such problems can besolved by the porous structure of the active material layer of the anodeaccording to the present disclosure that can function to relieve thevolume change.

The porous active material layer increases the surface area of the anodein contact with the electrolyte to permit rapid and smooth migration oflithium ions, which is advantageous in electrochemical reactions,thereby bringing about an improvement in battery performance.

The current collector 11 in the form of a wire may be made of stainlesssteel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon, copper, stainless steelsurface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium or silver,aluminum-cadmium alloy, polyacetylene, polyaniline, polypyrrole,polythiophene or poly(sulfur nitride). The current collector in the formof a wire includes a polymer core 21 and a metal coating layer 22 formedon the surface of the polymer core. This structure is particularlypreferred to ensure flexibility of a cable-type secondary battery.

Examples of materials for the polymer core 21 include polyacetylene,polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, poly(sulfur nitride),polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylate and polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE). The metal coating layer 22 may be formed of at least one metalselected from silver, palladium, nickel and copper.

The anode of the present disclosure is assembled to a cathode toconstruct an electrode assembly, which is used together with anelectrolyte to fabricate a lithium secondary battery. The cathode andthe electrolyte may be those commonly used in the fabrication ofconventional lithium secondary batteries.

Preferably, the cathode uses a lithium-containing transition metal oxideas a cathode active material. Specific examples of such cathode activematerials include LiCoO₂, LiNiO₂, LiMnO₂, Li₂Mn₂O₄,Li(Ni_(a)Co_(b)Mn_(c))O₂ (0<a<1, 0<b<1, 0<c<1, a+b+c=1),LiNi_(1-y)Co_(y)O₂, LiCo_(1-y)Mn_(y)O₂, LiNi_(1-y)Mn_(y)O₂ (0≦y<1), Li(Ni_(a)Co_(b)Mn_(c))O₄ (0<a<2, 0<b<2, 0<c<2, a+b+c=2),LiMn_(2-z)Ni_(z)O₄, LiMn_(2-z)Co_(z)O₄ (0<z<2), LiCoPO₄, and LiFePO₄.These cathode active materials may be used alone or as a mixture of twoor more thereof. Other examples include sulfides, selenides and halides.

The electrolyte may be a gel-type solid electrolyte using PEO, PVdF,PMMA, PAN or PVAC, or a solid electrolyte using PEO, polypropylene oxide(PPO), polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyethylene sulphide (PES) or polyvinylacetate (PVAc). The electrolyte may further include a lithium salt.Examples of such lithium salts include LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiClO₄, LiBF₄,LiB₁₀Cl₁₀, LiPF₆, LiCF₃SO₃, LiCF₃CO₂, LiAsF₆, LiSbF₆, LiAlCl₄, CH₃SO₃Li,CF₃SO₃Li, (CF₃SO₂)₂NLi, chloroborane lithium, lithium lower aliphaticcarboxylates and lithium tetraphenylborate.

With reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, a brief explanation will be givenregarding specific structures of a cable-type secondary batteryincluding the anode of the present disclosure. The same referencenumerals represent the same or like elements throughout the drawings.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cable-type secondary battery 30 according to anembodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the cable-type secondary battery 30includes: an inner electrode as an anode consisting of a currentcollector 31 having a horizontal cross section in a predetermined shapeand an anode active material 12 coated on the current collector 31; anelectrolyte layer 33 as an ionic path filled to surround the innerelectrode; an outer electrode as a cathode surrounding the outer surfaceof the electrolyte layer and consisting of a pipe-like current collector35 having a horizontal cross section in a predetermined shape and acathode active material 34 coated on the current collector 35; and aprotective cover 36 disposed on the periphery of the outer electrode.The inner electrode may be provided in plurality. In this case, theinner electrodes are arranged in parallel. This configuration increasesthe contact area between the inner electrodes and the pipe-like outerelectrode, leading to a high battery rate. The number of the innerelectrodes can be appropriately determined to facilitate control of abalance between the capacity of the inner electrodes and the capacity ofthe outer electrode. In the cathode of the cable-type secondary battery,the active material 34 is coated on the current collector 35. Thecathode is preferably produced by extrusion coating an electrode slurryincluding the active material on the current collector through anextruder. The cable-type secondary battery is fabricated by thefollowing procedure. First, the active material 32 is electroplated onthe current collector 31 to form the inner electrode. Subsequently, theelectrolyte layer 33 is formed on the outer surface of the innerelectrode by coating. Alternatively, the inner electrode may be insertedinto the electrolyte layer 33. Then, the outer electrode and theprotective cover 36 are sequentially formed on the outer surface of theelectrolyte layer 33. Alternatively, the cable-type secondary batterymay be fabricated by sequentially forming the outer electrode and theprotective cover 36 on the electrolyte layer 33, and inserting the innerelectrode into the electrolyte layer 33. Alternatively, the cable-typesecondary battery may be fabricated by forming the outer electrode andthe protective cover 36, inserting the inner electrode into the outerelectrode, and filling the electrolyte layer 33 between the innerelectrode and the outer electrode.

The protective cover as an insulator is formed on the outer surface ofthe battery to protect the electrodes against moisture in air andexternal impact. A general polymeric resin, for example, PVC, HDPE orepoxy resin, may be used as a material for the protective cover.

The cable-type secondary battery of FIG. 3 may be modified in structure.Some modified examples of the cable-type secondary battery areillustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cable-type secondary battery 30 according to anexemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the cable-type secondarybattery 30 includes: inner electrodes as anodes arranged in parallel,each of which consists of a current collector 31 having a horizontalcross section in a predetermined shape and an anode active material 32applied to the current collector 31; an electrolyte layer 33 as an ionicpath filled to surround the inner electrodes; an outer electrode as acathode surrounding the outer surface of the electrolyte layer andconsisting of a pipe-like current collector 35 having a horizontal crosssection in a predetermined shape and a cathode active material 34applied to the current collector 35; and a protective cover 36 disposedon the periphery of the outer electrode. This configuration increasesthe contact area between the inner electrodes and the pipe-like outerelectrode, leading to a high battery rate. The number of the innerelectrodes can be appropriately determined to facilitate control of abalance between the capacity of the inner electrodes and the capacity ofthe outer electrode. In the cathode of the cable-type secondary battery,the active material 34 is applied to the current collector 35. A generalcoating process, such as electroplating or anodic oxidation, may beemployed to apply the active material 34 to the current collector 35.The cathode is preferably produced by extrusion coating an electrodeslurry including the active material on the current collector through anextruder. The cable-type secondary battery is fabricated by thefollowing procedure. First, the active material 32 is electroplated onthe current collectors 31 to form the inner electrodes. Subsequently,the electrolyte layer 33 is formed on the outer surfaces of the innerelectrodes by coating. Alternatively, the inner electrodes may beinserted into the electrolyte layer 33. Then, the outer electrode andthe protective cover 36 are sequentially formed on the outer surface ofthe electrolyte layer 33. Alternatively, the cable-type secondarybattery may be fabricated by sequentially forming the outer electrodeand the protective cover 36 on the electrolyte layer 33, and insertingthe inner electrodes into the electrolyte layer 33. Alternatively, thecable-type secondary battery may be fabricated by forming the outerelectrode and the protective cover 36, inserting the inner electrodesinto the outer electrode, and filling the electrolyte layer 33 betweenthe inner electrodes and the outer electrode.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cable-type secondary battery 30 according to anexemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the cable-type secondarybattery 30 includes: two or more inner electrodes as anodes arranged inparallel, each of which consists of a current collector 31 and an anodeactive material 32 electroplated on the current collector 31, thecurrent collector 31 having a horizontal cross section in apredetermined shape and extending in the lengthwise direction;electrolyte layers 33 as ionic paths, each of which is formed on theouter surface of the anode active material 31; an outer electrode as acathode consisting of a cathode active material layer 34 filled tosurround the inner electrodes and a current collector 35; and aprotective cover 36 disposed on the periphery of the outer electrode.This configuration increases the contact area between the pipe-likeouter electrode and the inner electrodes included in the outerelectrode, leading to a high battery rate. The number of the innerelectrodes can be appropriately determined to facilitate control of abalance between the capacity of the inner electrodes and the capacity ofthe outer electrode. The formation of the electrolyte layers on theinner electrodes can prevent shorting between the electrodes. Thecable-type secondary battery is fabricated by the following procedure.First, each of the electrolyte layers 33 is formed on the innerelectrode by coating. Then, the active material 34 is coated on theouter surfaces of the electrolyte layers 33. Alternatively, the innerelectrodes may be inserted into the active material layer 34.Thereafter, the current collector 35 of the outer electrode and theprotective cover 36 are sequentially formed on the outer surface of theactive material layer 34. Alternatively, the cable-type secondarybattery may be fabricated by forming the outer electrode, in which theactive material is filled, and the protective cover 36, and insertingthe inner electrodes, on which the electrolyte layers 33 are formed,into the active material. Alternatively, the cable-type secondarybattery may be fabricated by forming the current collector 35 of outerelectrode and the protective cover 36, inserting the inner electrodes,on which the electrolyte layers 33 are formed, into the currentcollector 35, and filing the active material 34 between the electrolytelayers 33 and the inner electrodes.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cable-type secondary battery 30 according to anexemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the cable-type secondarybattery 30 includes: one or more anodes, each of which consists of acurrent collector 31 and an anode active material 32 electroplated onthe current collector 31, the current collector 31 having a horizontalcross section in a predetermined shape and extending in the lengthwisedirection, a first electrolyte layer 33 a as an ionic path being formedon the outer surface of the anode active material 32; one or morecathodes, each of which consists of a current collector 35 and a cathodeactive material 34 applied to the current collector 35, the currentcollector 35 having a horizontal cross section in a predetermined shapeand extending in the lengthwise direction; a second electrolyte layer 33b as an ionic path allowing the anodes and the cathodes to be arrangedin parallel and filled to surround the anodes and the cathodes; and aprotective cover 36 disposed on the periphery of the second electrolytelayer 33 b. An electrolyte layer may be formed on each of the cathodesto prevent shorting between the electrodes. This configuration increasesthe contact area between the cathodes and the anodes, leading to a highbattery rate. The number of the anodes and the cathodes can beappropriately determined to facilitate control of a balance between thecapacity of the anodes and the capacity of the cathodes. The cable-typesecondary battery is fabricated by the following procedure. First, thefirst electrolyte layers 33 a are coated on the anode active material 32and the second electrolyte layer 33 b is coated so as to surround theanodes and the cathodes. Alternatively, the anodes, on which theelectrolyte layers 33 a are formed, and the cathodes may be insertedinto the second electrolyte layer 33 b. Then, the protective cover 36 isformed on the outer surface of the second electrolyte layer 33 b.Alternatively, the cable-type secondary battery may be fabricated byforming the second electrolyte layer 33 b and the protective cover 36,and inserting the anodes, on which the electrolyte layers 33 a areformed, and the cathodes into the second electrolyte layer 33 b.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cable-type secondary battery 30 according to anexemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the cable-type secondarybattery 30 includes: a plurality of inner electrodes arranged inparallel, each of which consists of a porous anode, an electrolyte layer33 formed on the anode and a cathode active material layer 34 formed onthe surface of the electrolyte layer 33, the porous anode consisting ofan inner current collector 31 and an anode active material 32electroplated on the inner current collector 31, the inner currentcollector 31 having a horizontal cross section in a predetermined shapeand extending in the lengthwise direction; an outer current collector 35filled to surround the inner electrodes; and a protective cover 36disposed on the periphery of the outer current collector 35. Thisconfiguration increases the contact area between the inner electrodesand the outer current collector, leading to a high battery rate. Thenumber of the inner electrodes can be appropriately determined tofacilitate control of a balance of the capacity of the electrodes.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail. The embodiments of the present disclosure, however,may take several other forms, and the scope of the present disclosureshould not be construed as being limited to the following examples. Theembodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more fully explainthe present disclosure to those having ordinary knowledge in the art towhich the present disclosure pertains.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Production of Wire-Like Porous Anode

A wire-like copper current collector was washed with acetone and dilutehydrochloric acid. The copper current collector as a cathode andplatinum as an anode were dipped in a solution of 0.15 M SnSO₄ and 1.5 MH₂SO₄. Thereafter, electroplating was performed while allowing a currentof 3 A/cm² or above to flow between the cathode and the anode. Tin wasprecipitated on the copper current collector to produce a wire-likeporous anode.

Comparative Example 1 Production of Film-Like Porous Anode

A film-like copper current collector was washed with acetone and dilutehydrochloric acid. The copper current collector as a cathode andplatinum as an anode were dipped in a solution of 0.15 M SnSO₄ and 1.5 MH₂SO₄. Thereafter, electroplating was performed while allowing a currentof 3 A/cm² or above to flow between the cathode and the anode. Tin wasprecipitated on the copper current collector to produce a film-likeporous anode.

Test Example 1 Identification of Porous Structure of Porous Anode

SEM images of the porous anode produced in Example 1 are shown in FIG.8. The images of FIG. 8 reveal a three-dimensional porous structure ofthe anode active material layer formed of tin on the surface of thecopper current collector.

Test Example 2 Measurement of Performance of Cells

A beaker cell in the form of a 3-electrode electrochemical cell wasfabricated using lithium foils as counter and reference electrodes, eachof the anodes produced in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 as aworking electrode and a solution of 1 M LiPF₆ in EC/DEC (50/50, v/v)) asan electrolyte solution. The tests were conducted in a glove box (Argas).

The charge-discharge characteristics of the cells were evaluated. Theresults are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Each of the cells was charged to 5 mV with a current density of 0.5 Cunder constant current conditions and maintained at a constant voltageof 5 mV. Charging was stopped when the current density reached 0.005 C.

The cell was discharged to 2 V with a current density of 0.5 C in a CCmode. Charge and discharge cycles were repeated fifty times under thesame conditions as above.

The graphs of FIGS. 9 and 10 reveal that the cell using the wire-likeporous electrode has a higher capacity and better performance than thecell using the film-like porous electrode.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing an anode for a cable-typesecondary battery, the method comprising: (S1) preparing an aqueoussolution of an anode active material; and (S2) dipping a core as acurrent collector having a horizontal cross section in a predeterminedshape and extending in the lengthwise direction in the aqueous solutionof the anode active material, and applying an electric current to thecore to form a porous shell on the outer surface of the core, whereinthe porous shell has a pore size of 10 to 150 μm.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the anode active material comprises atleast one element or compound selected from the group consisting of Si,Sn, Li, Zn, Mg, Cd, Ce, Ni, Fe and oxides thereof.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the current collector is stainless steel,aluminum, titanium, silver, palladium, nickel, copper, or stainlesssteel surface treated with titanium, silver, palladium, nickel orcopper.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the currentcollector comprises a polymer core and a metal coating layer formed onthe surface of the polymer core.
 5. The method according to claim 4,wherein the polymer core is made of at least one polymer selected fromthe group consisting of polyacetylene, polyaniline, polypyrrole,polythiophene, poly(sulfur nitride), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene(PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylateand polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 6. The method according to claim 4,wherein the metal coating layer is formed of at least one metal selectedfrom silver, palladium, nickel and copper.
 7. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the porous shell has a porosity of 60 to 95%.
 8. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the porous shell has a surface areaof 8×10⁴ to 5×10⁵ cm²/g.